I took a short walk down a wooden path.
That lead to a secluded spot...
where I sat quietly...
with views of Curtis Island Light and ...
this harbor in Camden, Maine. Where I sat for a time writing my story and dreaming about my future.
I'm not sure when my boat will set sail, but I'm getting ready!
How is your dream today? What does it need? Maybe a little daydreaming is in order.
((soul hugs))
Kathryn, Collage Diva
This will be my last Collage Diva blog post for a week or so. I'm heading on a much needed vacation. I'm traveling with my two trusted companions, my camera and notebook. I'm eager to settle into a new spot each day overlooking gorgeous views and writing my story. I actually feel really giddy. I can't wait to see what has been swirling in my head for a year now hit the page. A few friends have heard bits and pieces of the story and I delight each time I tell it. I look forward to the day when this story is published and I can travel across the globe to tell the story to even more people.
I pulled out a copy of Photo Play to find a figure to use for today's mermaid collage. The issue provided me with much more than a lovely subject. While flipping through I stopped short on an article written by actor Bob Wagner.
(click to enlarge)
It was the sequence of photos along the bottom of the page that first caught my eye. It was the title that drew me in to read the entire piece.
"What's going to happen tomorrow?" I used to worry.
Until I realized I was letting life go by. So...
Today - I'm Living It Up!
His positive outlook mirrors my own. He put into words in this article my own sentiments. Here are a few tidbits:
"If I give the impression that I'm enjoying life every minute, it's strictly on the level. I am. And when I say it's a gift, I'm not being flip. The ability to make the most of each day is a gift given to everyone. It's our job to learn to recognize it - to take advantage of it. I'll be the first to admit that it isn't always easy."
Bob shares some scenarios that we all may recognize. Here's one:
"Take the fellow who says, "Good grief, what a day! If it were only over!"
He's decided that tomorrow is bound to be better than today. But then some hours later, when tomorrow finally becomes his today, he doesn't give it a chance. Right away he begins living for the day after that. This boy just can't win. He'll never find contentment, because he hasn't learned to live in the present. He spends his entire life waiting, but he does nothing today to insure that his tomorrow actually will be better. I might so far as to say that he hasn't learned to live, period!"
I love the advice he was given when he was worrying about his future as an actor after winning an award. He was worried about living up to this recognition and staying on top. His friend brought him back to his senses with these words:
"Simmer down, boy," he drawled. "Take one thing at a time. You just play your scenes for all they're worth today, and you won't have to be in such a stew about the future."
He shares this fitting quote by Thomas Carlyle:
"Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand."
Here's just one more quote from the article:
"I do say that the best way to prepare for your tomorrow is to concentrate on doing today's work well. So think and plan. But don't clutter up your todays with unnecessary worries. It prevents your accomplishing anything. You have to remember that uncertainties are a part of life. And wouldn't life be dull without them? Think about them, prepare for them if you can, but don't let them make ulcer bait of you."
As many of you know I'm heading into a new chapter in my life. I've received so many beautiful and touching e-mails and comments on my blog post. Many have commented on how well I handle change. When I came across this article, I couldn't help but share it with you. There is so much in life that is out of our control. What we can do, is to make a choice to seize this day, savor each moment, and do so with a smile.
I have no interest in becoming ulcer bait or worry stew - no, this mermaid will be smiling all week at her harbor side perch.
Until my return,
Namaste,
Kathryn, Collage Diva
(Article Credit: "Today - I'm Living It Up!" by Bob Wagner, PhotoPlay, November 1954.)
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Posted here are a few photos of the sand sculptures that were on display at the 11th Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition. Here are a few facts that I learned about the competition.
Enjoy!
Kathryn, Collage Diva
One of my favorite mermaid friends hosts Sand and Sea Sundays. Visit her blog for more mermaid lovin' posts.
This mermaid made it to the ocean this week and shot these buoys...
...and had a little play with them in Photoshop.
Then snacked on mussels that Georgia O'Keefe would have been tempted to paint...
oooh la la.
One of my favorite mermaid friends hosts Sand and Sea Sundays. Visit her blog for more mermaid lovin' posts.
I have a spare room that once was the space where Collage Diva created her magic. Times have changed. You see I've had a problem holding onto stuff that comes into the tree house. Everything has the potential for a collage or assemblage and well, the creative room is now dubbed the creative cave of chaos. While in the room of doom rummaging for something, I came across some of my earlier collage work and unearthed this mermaid. Isn't she lovely? She is so happy to make her debut here. Her body is from a silverware pattern. I love the background and the suggestion of a mammalian protuberance (Zappa fans will recognize the reference.)
Spanish Mermaid, circa 1992.
Be sure to swing by Gypsea Nurse's blog to see other Sand and Sea Sunday posts.
I always feel refreshed, renewed, and grounded when I go to the ocean. I love the feeling of the powerful waves crashing on my body and then pulling back. It is like a lullaby that soothes the soul.
Like the wind we can only feel the presence of the wave. We can't pick it up and take it home with us and pull it out every time we need a hug. Yes, the feeling of a wave is much like the feeling of a passionate hug.
These photos are from three summers ago when I took my last real vacation (North Carolina). My focus during the years that followed were to provide for my son who travels to Colorado each summer to visit his dad. My son leaves in two short weeks and will be in Colorado for 9-1/2 weeks. There is such a mix of feelings that generally leaves me feeling more like a zombie. This year I am going to try hard not to numb my feelings of loneliness and to not make myself "too busy." This summer is going to be different. I'm looking forward to a week in July when I head to Camden, Maine where I'll stay at a lovely B&B and each day seek out different lighthouses and ocean vistas to photograph.
How about you? What do you have planned for the summer months?
My dear online friend and fellow mermaid, Cricket (aka Gypsea Nurse) is hosting a fabulous blog hop beginning today and each Sunday, titled, "Sand and Sea Sundays."
In my first post, I couldn't resist sharing a little mermaid wisdom. One of my very favorite books is A Survival Guide for Landlocked Mermaids
Pictured above is one of the illustrations {click the image to enlarge} found on Margot's website, www.margotdatz.com that goes with the following message.
No Dreading Shedding
Mermaids are psychologically
complex. They are part conscious,
part unconscious. Sometimes the
underwater part of them sheds old
habits and perceptions, making way for
transformation. It's a deep blue process
that starts from within - one that can't
always be explained, even to those we
love. But a mermaid trusts life and its
mysteries and survives sea changes.
I've been undergoing a LOT of changes in the last couple of years. In recent months I've dropped 32 lbs and I'm well on my way to reaching my healthy weight. Yoo-hoo! Even with all of the positive changes, some of the old muck gets stirred up. I'm visiting these old wounds and shedding old beliefs that don't fit any more. It is messy work that often involves lots of tears. My friends and colleagues often comment, "Great job Kathryn, that is hard work." But really, it isn't hard as much as tender and exciting and liberating. I love the energy that I now have which makes this journey easier and easier. As I look at my body, my heart, and my soul today, I can see that I need to make even more changes that support the vibrant life I am meant to live.
Well, dear mermaids, mermen, sailors, pirates, and lovers of the sea, be certain to check out the Sand and Sea Sunday.
{soul hugs}
Kathryn, Collage Diva and Landlocked Mermaid
Another lovely blue mermaid has shown up to visit us today. Of course my mermaid heart went a flutter when I saw it at my friend Linda's house. She tore off the inside panel and gifted me this image so I could bring her home with me. I love the artistry and the words and now wish I knew who the artist is - might you recognize this work? I'd love to see more from this artist and credit him/her.
I hope your week is winding up beautifully - drink up this lovely mermaid and her inspiring words.
{Namaste}
Kathryn, Collage Diva and Landlocked Mermaid
I met a friend last week for lunch at the Blue Mermaid Island Grill in Portsmouth.
Where our table was bedecked with these gorgeous blue tiles...
...and lit with these fun lamps.
The walls are filled with art for sale including this ravishing mermaid. You'll have to visit the Blue Mermaid to see all of her.
Let's see what they have upstairs.
Oh look a very different mermaid - isn't she darling?
Here let me show you the way out. You'll need to go back down the stairs.
This landlocked mermaid gives, the "Blue Mermaid" two thumbs up. The food was delicious and the atmosphere delightful.
Cheers!
Kathryn, Collage Diva
I embellished one of the pages in my journal this week. I'm feeling like one lucky mermaid!
Images of a rosy romance warms my heart.
I'm thinking about my own good fortune this morning and I'm feeling oh so grateful.
Are you feeling lucky? If not, begin by thinking of all the things you are grateful for. Before you know it you'll see just how lucky you are!
{Namaste}
Kathryn, Collage Diva
